One needle, one syringe, only one time?

A new CDC paper, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, reports 12% of physicians and 3% of nurses indicate reuse of syringes for more than one patient occurs in their workplace. This survey suggests a dangerous minority of providers may be violating basic standards of care and the paper underlines the need for additional training and education.

Safe injection practices are critical to the overall safety of healthcare delivery. CDC reminds healthcare personnel to never reuse a needle or syringe for more than one patient or to enter a medication container. A good rule to remember is One Needle, One Syringe, Only One Time. Improper use of syringes, needles and medication containers can transmit infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.